Ford Model 40

👉 Ford Model 40: The Birth of the Ford V8

➡️Origins and Positioning:

• The Ford Model 40 succeeded the Model A and was introduced as a completely new vehicle for 1932.
• It was marketed as the Model 18 in its initial year but was commonly known as the Ford V8 due to its groundbreaking engine.

➡️The Flathead V8 Engine:

• The Model 18 was the first low-priced, mass-marketed car to have a V8 engine.
• The 221 cu in (3.6 L) flathead V8 was rated at 65 horsepower (48 kW; 66 PS).
• This engine was an important milestone, as it brought V8 power to a wider audience.

➡️Model B and the Four-Cylinder Variant:

• The Model B was derived with minimal technical changes to keep costs low.
• It was virtually indistinguishable from the V8, except for the engine and badging.
• The V8’s popularity overshadowed the four-cylinder Model B, making it obsolete.

➡️Legacy and Successors:

• The Model 18 paved the way for Ford’s future V8-powered cars.
• It was eventually replaced by the streamlined Model 48 in 1935.

In summary, the Ford Model 40/V8 represents an era of innovation, combining affordability with powerful performance—a true icon in automotive history1.